I'm feeling really anxious because even though my HIV test came back negative after two years, I'm still experiencing symptoms like oral thrush, tongue pain, itchy lips, and some rashes on my body. My lymph nodes are kind of swollen too. I had an RNA PCR test and it said target not detected, my CD4 count was 1197, and the antibody-antigen serology test was negative. I'm worried because I think I might be a late seroconverter. Should I wait a few more years and keep testing to be sure, or could there be another issue causing these symptoms? Please help. I'm really unsure if I could be negative or positive.

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

Consult Now

Negative HIV test after 2 years, but symptoms persist:

Interpretation:

1. HIV-negative status confirmed.
2. CD4 count (1197) is normal.
3. RNA PCR (viral load) undetectable.
4. Antibodyantigen serology negative.

Symptoms may indicate:

1. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
2. Opportunistic infections (e.g., oral thrush)
3. Allergic reactions
4. Other health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders)

Recommendations:

1. Consult an infectious disease specialist or immunologist.
2. Rule out other infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial).
3. Consider:

• Antifungal treatment for oral thrush.
• Topical creams for lip itching and rashes.
• Pain management for tongue pain.

4. Monitor lymph nodes and repeat testing if necessary.
5. Address anxiety and stress through counseling or support groups.

Late seroconversion unlikely:

Given your negative HIV tests and undetectable viral load, late seroconversion is unlikely.

Answered 04/07/2025